Optical fiber adapter, optical fiber connector and optical fiber connector

Abstract

The application relates to the field of optical fiber connectors, and discloses an optical fiber adapter, an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber adapter comprises an optical fiber adapter main body, a locking piece and a mounting seat, and an adapter sleeve is mounted on the mounting seat. The optical fiber connector comprises a connecting part, and a clamping groove is arranged on the connecting part. A cavity for inserting the connecting part of the optical fiber connector is arranged on the optical fiber adapter main body, an annular inclined surface body is arranged on the adapter sleeve, and the annular inclined surface body is used for extruding the locking piece so that the locking piece is clamped in the clamping groove. The application has the effects of making the connection of the optical fiber adapter and the optical fiber connector more convenient and more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber optic connectors, and more particularly to a fiber optic adapter, fiber optic connector, and fiber optic connector. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors are used in fiber optic communication systems to connect optical cables, optical cables and optoelectronic components, and optoelectronic components themselves. They precisely align the end faces of two optical fibers to maximize the coupling of light energy from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber.

[0003] Currently, fiber optic connectors on the market include fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors. A fiber optic adapter includes an adapter body, with a steel ball installed at the mating end, and an adapter jacket and inner push ring on the outside of the adapter body. A fiber optic connector includes a connector portion, with a slot on the connector portion for the steel post to engage.

[0004] When the fiber optic connector is inserted, the inner push ring is pushed. A first spring is located between the inner push ring and the adapter outer sleeve, which pushes the adapter outer sleeve to slide. The adapter outer sleeve has a raised strip. When the adapter outer sleeve is pushed, the raised strip advances to the position of the steel ball. At this time, the raised strip will cause the steel ball to fall into the slot of the fiber optic connector, thereby locking the connector.

[0005] When the connector needs to be removed, pull the adapter sleeve so that the protrusion no longer applies pressure to the steel ball. After the steel ball exits the slot, the spring pushes the inner push ring to slide, and then the inner push ring pushes the connector out, thus unlocking the connector.

[0006] However, the above technical solutions require high precision in the processing of steel balls, which will increase the difficulty of product production to some extent. In addition, the steel balls are prone to wear after repeated insertion and removal, affecting subsequent use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the objectives of this patent application is to provide an optical fiber adapter that features a simple structure, easy manufacturing, stable connection with optical fiber connectors, and easier operation when plugging and unplugging optical fiber connectors.

[0008] Firstly, the fiber optic adapter provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A fiber optic adapter includes a fiber optic adapter body, a locking member, and a mounting base connected in sequence, wherein the adapter outer casing is mounted on the mounting base.

[0010] The fiber optic adapter body is provided with a chamber for inserting the connector portion of the fiber optic connector; the locking member cooperates with the slot of the connector portion of the fiber optic connector to movably connect the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector;

[0011] The adapter jacket is provided with an annular inclined body. When the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector are connected, the annular inclined body is used to squeeze the locking member to deform in the axial direction, so that the locking member engages with the slot.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the annular inclined body squeezes the locking member during the installation of the fiber optic connector, causing it to snap into the slot to fix the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter. Compared with the technical solution of the prior art, the deformation snap-fit ​​method of the locking member in this application eliminates the need for steel balls and springs, making the overall structure of the fiber optic adapter simpler and helping to increase the stability of the connection between the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector. In addition, this application has lower precision requirements for the locking member, which is conducive to the mass production and market application of enterprises.

[0013] Preferably, the locking element consists of two semi-rings with a gap between them; each semi-ring is fixedly connected to the fiber optic adapter body and the mounting base respectively.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the gap between the two semi-rings makes it easier for the locking component to deform.

[0015] Preferably, each half-ring has a thickened layer at both ends, the thickened layer being disposed on the side of the half-ring opposite to the annular inclined body; when the fiber optic adapter and fiber optic connector are connected, the annular inclined body presses the outer side of the thickened layer, causing the two ends of the half-ring to deform towards the axis, thereby engaging the two half-rings with the slots on the fiber optic connector.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, thickened layers are set at both ends of the semi-ring. The thickened layers are compressed to deform the semi-ring and make it snap into the slot on the connector. When the annular inclined body contacts the unthickened part of the semi-ring, the operator will feel a clear resistance, indicating that the fiber optic connector has been installed in the correct position.

[0017] Another solution is as follows: the locking member is fixedly connected to the fiber optic adapter body through the first connector, and the locking member is fixedly connected to the mounting base through the second connector; when the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector are connected, the annular inclined body squeezes the outer side of the half ring, causing the first connector and the second connector to deform in the axial direction, thereby making the two half rings engage with the slot on the fiber optic connector.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the annular inclined body squeezes the side of the half-ring, the first connector and the second connector can engage the half-ring with the slot, thereby achieving a stable connection between the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting base is threadedly connected to the adapter outer sleeve, and a sealing ring is provided between the adapter outer sleeve and the fiber optic adapter body.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing performance of the fiber optic adapter can be further improved.

[0021] Preferably, the adapter jacket has a groove at one end near the fiber optic connector, the groove being used to mate with a protrusion on the connector jacket of the fiber optic connector.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the adapter jacket can be rotated simply by rotating the connector jacket through the engagement of the groove and the protrusion.

[0023] Secondly, the optical fiber connector provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0024] A fiber optic connector includes a connector portion and a connector sleeve; the connector portion is used for insertion of the aforementioned fiber optic adapter, and the connector sleeve is fitted over the outside of the connector portion and threadedly connected to the connector portion.

[0025] The connector sleeve has a protrusion at one end near the adapter sleeve, the protrusion being used to mate with a groove on the adapter sleeve.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the adapter jacket can be rotated simply by rotating the connector jacket through the engagement of the groove and the protrusion.

[0027] Preferably, the connecting part has a slot and a mounting groove; the slot is used to cooperate with the locking member to fix the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector when they are connected, and a sealing ring is installed in the mounting groove.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the locking element snaps into the slot on the connector to fix the fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter. The sealing ring installed in the mounting slot improves the sealing performance of the connection between the fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter.

[0029] Thirdly, the optical fiber connector provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0030] An optical fiber connector, comprising the aforementioned optical fiber adapter.

[0031] An optical fiber connector includes the optical fiber connector described above.

[0032] In summary, this patent application includes at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. The fiber optic adapter of this application, through the arrangement of the fiber optic adapter body, locking component, mounting base and adapter jacket, utilizes the annular inclined body on the adapter jacket to compress the locking component, thereby realizing the slot engagement between the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector. Compared with the prior art, this application eliminates the setting of steel balls and springs, making the overall structure of the fiber optic adapter simpler and helping to increase the stability of the connection between the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector, making it more suitable for mass production and market application.

[0034] 2. The fiber optic adapter body, locking components, and mounting base of this application can be manufactured as a single unit, making the production of the fiber optic adapter simpler.

[0035] 3. The fiber optic connector of this application, by having a groove on the adapter jacket of the fiber optic adapter and a protrusion on the connector jacket of the fiber optic connector that matches the groove, can realize the synchronous rotation of the connector jacket and the adapter jacket, making it easier to plug and unplug the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a fiber optic connector;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic adapter.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a fiber optic adapter;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the locking component;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at AA;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the fiber optic adapter after the semi-circular transformer.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic connector structure;

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view at BB;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the adapter jacket;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of the locking component in Embodiment 2.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 1. Fiber optic adapter; 11. Fiber optic adapter body; 111. Chamber; 112. Sealing groove; 113. Sealing ring; 114. Positioning ring; 115. External thread; 12. Locking element; 121. Half ring; 122. Gap; 123. Thickened layer; 13. Mounting base; 14. Adapter outer sleeve; 141. Annular inclined body; 142. Groove; 15. First connector; 16. Second connector; 2. Fiber optic connector; 21. Connecting part; 22. Connector outer sleeve; 23. Inner sleeve element; 24. Connector tail sleeve; 211. Slot; 212. Mounting groove; 221. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the following will be discussed in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-10 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, a fiber optic connector includes a coaxially mating fiber optic adapter 1 and a fiber optic connector 2. When used in a fiber distribution box, the fiber optic adapters 1 are densely arranged on the box. Multiple optical fibers are connected to the distribution box through the plug-in connection between the fiber optic connectors 2 and the fiber optic adapters 1.

[0051] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the fiber optic adapter 1 includes a fiber optic adapter body 11, a locking member 12, and a mounting base 13 connected in sequence. In this embodiment, the fiber optic adapter body 11, the locking member 12, and the mounting base 13 are integrally formed by casting, thereby reducing subsequent connection operations. The fiber optic connector 2 includes a connecting portion 21. The fiber optic adapter body 11 is provided with a cavity 111 into which the connecting portion 21 is inserted. When the connecting portion 21 is inserted into the cavity 111, the locking member 12 and the mounting base 13 are both sleeved on the outside of the connecting portion 21.

[0052] The outer diameter of the connection between the fiber optic adapter body 11 and the locking member 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting base 13. An adapter sleeve 14 is threaded onto the outer side of the mounting base 13, and the adapter sleeve 14 houses the locking member 12 and part of the fiber optic adapter body 11. The inner diameter of the adapter sleeve 14 gradually decreases between the locking member 12 and the mounting base, forming an annular inclined surface 141. This annular inclined surface 141 allows the adapter sleeve 14 to stably press against the locking member at any rotation angle. When the adapter sleeve 14 rotates towards the adapter body 11, the annular inclined surface 141 rotates and presses against the locking member 12. At this time, the locking member 12 is subjected to circumferential static friction and axial compressive force. Driven by these two forces, it deforms and moves towards the axis, thereby engaging with the connection portion 21 of the fiber optic connector 2, thus achieving a fixed connection between the fiber optic adapter 1 and the fiber optic connector 2.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking member 12 consists of two identical semi-rings 121. The two semi-rings 121 can be formed by cutting the entire annular member along its axis, and the outer diameter of the semi-rings 121 is consistent with the outer diameter of the fiber optic adapter body 11, which helps the annular inclined body 141 to effectively compress the locking member 12. A gap 122 is provided between the two semi-rings 121, which provides deformation space for the deformation of the semi-rings 121.

[0054] Each semi-ring 121 is connected to a first connector 15 and a second connector 16. In this embodiment, both the first connector 15 and the second connector 16 are integrally manufactured by injection molding and locking components 12. The semi-ring 121 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 13 via the first connector 15 and to the fiber optic adapter body 11 via the second connector 16. The side of the first connector 15 away from the axis is flush with the outer circumferential surface of the semi-ring 121, and the side of the second connector 16 away from the axis is located inside the extended surface of the outer circumferential surface of the semi-ring 121. This prevents the annular inclined surface 141 from directly compressing the second connector 16 when the adapter sleeve 14 is tightened onto the fiber optic adapter body 11.

[0055] In addition, each half ring 121 is provided with a thickening layer 123 at both ends. The thickening layer 123 protrudes from the side of the half ring 121 opposite to the annular inclined body 141, and the half ring 121 abuts against the annular inclined body 141 through the thickening layer 123.

[0056] like Figure 5 , 6As shown, when the annular inclined body 141 compresses the thickened layer, the half-ring 121 without the thickened layer 123 is easily deformed by circumferential force, thus pressing the half-ring 121 with the thickened layer 123 (i.e., both ends of the half-ring 121) tightly onto the designated position of the connecting part 21. At the same time, the two half-rings 121 deform towards each other in the axial direction and move closer together, thereby reducing the gap 122 between the two half-rings 121 to achieve a snap-fit ​​with the connecting part 21. Therefore, this application not only ensures a stable connection and fixation between the fiber optic adapter 1 and the fiber optic connector 2, but also improves the fault tolerance of the connection between the fiber optic adapter 1 and the fiber optic connector 2 to a certain extent. As long as the designated position of the half-ring 121 and the connecting part 21 is initially aligned, it can automatically adjust to the accurate snap-fit ​​position under the compression of the annular inclined body 141.

[0057] To ensure good waterproofing of the fiber optic adapter, another embodiment of this invention provides a sealing groove 112 within the portion of the fiber optic adapter body 11 housed inside the adapter jacket 14, and a sealing ring 113 is installed within the sealing groove 112. After the fiber optic adapter 1 is connected to the fiber optic connector 2, the sealing ring 113 abuts against the inner wall of the adapter jacket 14, thereby enabling the fiber optic adapter to meet commercially available sealing requirements.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a positioning ring 114 is provided on the fiber optic adapter body 11. This positioning ring 114 can limit the adapter outer sleeve 14, preventing the adapter outer sleeve 14 from rotating excessively towards the fiber optic adapter body 11 and thus excessively compressing the locking member 12. The portion of the fiber optic adapter body 11 that inserts into the fiber distribution box has an external thread 115, and a rotating sleeve is provided on the external thread 115. The rotating sleeve and the positioning ring 114 clamp the side wall of the fiber distribution box to achieve a dense arrangement of the fiber optic adapters 1 on the fiber distribution box.

[0059] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the fiber optic connector 2 also includes a connector outer sleeve 22, an inner sleeve element 23, and a connector tail sleeve 24. The connector outer sleeve 22 is fitted over the outside of the connecting portion 21 and the two are threaded together. The inner sleeve element 23 is used to house the optical fiber. One end of the inner sleeve element 23 is threadedly connected to the connecting portion 21, and the other end of the inner sleeve element 23 is fastened and fixed to the connector tail sleeve 24. In this embodiment, the connector outer sleeve 22 houses the inner sleeve element 23 and part of the connecting portion 21 within the connector outer sleeve 22, thereby increasing the structural stability of the fiber optic connector 2.

[0060] The connector 21 has a slot 211. When installing the fiber optic connector, the connector 21 is inserted into the cavity 111 on the fiber optic adapter body 11. The slot 211 engages with the two semi-rings 121 of the locking member 12 to fix the fiber optic connector 2 and the fiber optic adapter 1. The connector 21 also has a mounting groove 212 on the side of the slot 211 away from the connector outer sleeve 22. A sealing ring is fitted into the mounting groove 212. When the connector 21 of the fiber optic connector is inserted into the fiber optic adapter body, the sealing ring is located between the cavity and the connector, further improving the sealing performance of the connection between the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector.

[0061] When the fiber optic adapter is integrated into the fiber distribution box, it is not convenient to rotate the adapter jacket 14 to achieve the locking part 12 on the fiber optic adapter 1 and the connecting part 21 on the fiber optic connector 2.

[0062] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the adapter jacket 14 has a groove 142 at one end near the fiber optic connector 2, and the number of grooves 142 can be selected as needed. The connector jacket 22 has a protrusion 221 at one end near the adapter jacket 14, and the protrusion 221 is used to correspond one-to-one with and engage with the grooves 142 on the adapter jacket 14.

[0063] When connecting the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter, the protrusion 221 on the connector jacket 22 engages with the groove 142 on the adapter jacket 14. Simply rotating the connector jacket will cause the adapter jacket 14 to rotate. Since the adapter jacket 14 is threaded to the mounting base 13, simply rotating the connector jacket 22 will push the adapter jacket towards the fiber optic adapter body 11, thereby causing the annular inclined body 141 to press the thickened portions at both ends of the half-ring, causing the half-ring to be inserted into the slot, thus realizing the connection between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, the locking member 12 in this embodiment consists of two identical semi-rings 121, with a gap 122 between the two semi-rings 121. Each semi-ring 121 is integrally connected to a first connector 15 and a second connector 16 via injection molding. The semi-ring 121 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 13 via the first connector 15 and to the fiber optic adapter body 11 via the second connector 16.

[0067] When the fiber optic adapter 1 and the fiber optic connector 2 are connected, the annular inclined body 141 presses the outer side of the semi-ring 121, causing the first connector 15 and the second connector 16 to deform in the axial direction, thereby reducing the gap 122 between the two semi-rings 121 and locking them into the slot 211 of the connector 21 of the fiber optic connector 2, thus achieving a fixed connection between the fiber optic adapter 1 and the fiber optic connector 2.

[0068] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of this application and is not intended to limit it. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber adapter, characterized in that: It includes a fiber optic adapter body (11), a locking member (12) and a mounting base (13) connected in sequence, and an adapter cover (14) is installed on the mounting base (13). The fiber optic adapter body (11) is provided with a chamber (111) for inserting the connecting part (21) of the fiber optic connector (2); the locking member (12) cooperates with the slot (211) of the connecting part (21) on the fiber optic connector (2) to movably connect the fiber optic adapter (1) and the fiber optic connector (2). The adapter jacket (14) is provided with an annular inclined body (141). When the fiber optic adapter (1) and the fiber optic connector (2) are connected, the annular inclined body (141) squeezes the locking member (12) to deform in the axial direction, so that the locking member (12) engages with the slot (211). The locking member (12) consists of two semi-rings (121), and a gap (122) is provided between the two semi-rings (121); each semi-ring (121) is fixedly connected to the fiber optic adapter body (11) and the mounting base (13); Each half-ring (121) has a thickened layer (123) at both ends. The thickened layer (123) is located on the side of the half-ring (121) opposite to the annular inclined body (141). When the fiber optic adapter (1) and the fiber optic connector (2) are connected, the annular inclined body (141) presses the outer side of the thickened layer (123) to deform the two ends of the half-ring (121) towards the axis, thereby engaging the two half-rings (121) with the slot (211) on the fiber optic connector (2). The locking member (12) is fixedly connected to the fiber optic adapter body (11) via the first connector (15), and the locking member (12) is fixedly connected to the mounting base via the second connector (16). The first connector (15) and the second connector (16) are made of flexible material. When the fiber optic adapter (1) and the fiber optic connector (2) are connected, the annular inclined body (141) squeezes the outer side of the half ring (121) to deform the first connector (15) and the second connector (16) in the axial direction, so that the two half rings (121) engage with the slot (211) on the fiber optic connector (2).

2. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (13) is threadedly connected to the adapter sleeve (14), and a sealing ring (113) is provided between the adapter sleeve (14) and the fiber optic adapter body (11).

3. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adapter jacket (14) has a groove (142) at one end near the fiber optic connector (2), and the groove (142) is used to cooperate with the protrusion (221) on the connector jacket (22) of the fiber optic connector (2).

4. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that: It includes a connecting part (21) and a connector sleeve (22); the connecting part (21) is used for the insertion of the fiber optic adapter according to any one of claims 1-3, and the connector sleeve (22) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting part (21) and threadedly connected to the connecting part (21); The connector sleeve (22) has a protrusion (221) installed at one end near the adapter sleeve (14), the protrusion (221) being used to mate with a groove (142) on the adapter sleeve (14).

5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting part (21) is provided with a slot (211) and a mounting slot (212); the slot (211) is used to cooperate with the locking member (12) to fix the fiber optic adapter (1) and the fiber optic connector (2) when they are connected; a sealing ring is installed in the mounting slot (212).

6. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that, Includes the fiber optic adapter (1) as described in any one of claims 1-3.

7. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that, Includes the fiber optic connector (2) as described in any one of claims 4-5.

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